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About Cambridge Optometry
Cambridge Optometry is a full-service eye care practice near California Avenue. It is owned and operated by three optometrists: Benjamin Threlkeld, O.D., Cindy Threlkeld, O.D. and Matthew Snider, O.D. The practice says it believes yearly eye exams are essential and it welcomes new patients.
For fifteen years the office was at 250 Cambridge Avenue. In 2024 the practice moved about 300 feet down the street to a larger office at 2307 Birch Street, on the corner of Cambridge Avenue and Birch Street. The practice says the new space has more exam rooms, a bigger selection of designer frames and new ophthalmic equipment. If you have an old appointment card or saved map pin with the Cambridge Avenue address, update it.
The practice describes the office as close to the California Avenue Caltrain station, Mollie Stone's and the Palo Alto post office. It also says it has good parking.
The optometrists
The doctors page lists six optometrists:
- Benjamin S. Threlkeld, O.D. earned his optometry degree at UC Berkeley and taught in the contact lens and primary care clinics there. The practice notes his experience in care before and after refractive surgery, including LASIK.
- Cindy H. Threlkeld, O.D. earned her degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry in 1999 and trained in pediatric optometry at UC Berkeley.
- Matthew P. Snider, O.D. earned his degree at UC Berkeley. His listed interests are contact lens fitting, eye disease and pediatric exams. He worked at the practice as a technician and optician before returning as an optometrist.
- Gigi Hsiao, O.D. joined in September 2023. The practice lists myopia control among her areas of focus.
- Matthew Barnes, O.D. holds an optometry degree and a master's in vision science from the New England College of Optometry.
- Manisha Suresh Chand, O.D. earned her optometry degree at Western University of Health Sciences.
Services
Cambridge Optometry lists these services:
- Comprehensive eye exams
- Diagnosis and treatment of eye disease and injury, using non-dilated digital retinal imaging
- Contact lens evaluation and fitting, with specialty lenses for keratoconus, bifocal needs and post-surgical eyes
- Scleral contact lens fitting for keratoconus and high prescriptions
- Pediatric eye exams for children 6 months and older
- Dry eye evaluation and treatment
- Evaluation of computer-related eyestrain
- Frame selection and frame repair
Outside prescriptions are welcome. The practice says its dispensary carries more than 1,000 designer frames, from brands it names such as Oliver Peoples, Moscot, Tom Ford, Prada, Ray-Ban, Oakley and Nike. This listing describes services only and is not medical advice.
Booking, insurance and payment
Appointments are made by phone. The office also accepts text messages at the same number. The website offers new patient forms to fill out ahead of a first visit.
Cambridge Optometry participates with VSP, EyeMed and Medicare. Patients with other coverage are asked to check with staff. The practice accepts cash, personal checks, American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Discover. It says that in most cases purchases and fees paid in the office are FSA and HSA eligible.
Contact lens wearers should know about one policy change. Since July 1, 2024, the practice has charged a separate fee for contact lens evaluation and fitting. It explains that vision plans such as VSP and EyeMed treat that service as an add-on to the routine yearly exam. The contact lens services page has the details and a patient agreement form.
Tips for visiting
- Saturday hours are limited to the first Saturday of each month, so book early if you need a weekend slot.
- Staff speak English, Spanish, Chinese and Taiwanese.
- Bring your current glasses, contact lens information and vision plan or Medicare card.
- The office is an easy walk from the train. Our California Avenue guide covers the nearby shops and cafes. Our getting around page explains transit and parking.
- Dilating drops or a long contact lens fitting can add time to a visit. Ask how long to plan for when you book, especially if you are fitting the appointment around work or school.
Location and getting there
Cambridge Optometry is at 2307 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area of Palo Alto. Our California Avenue guide covers what else is around.
The California Avenue Caltrain station is less than a quarter mile away, a walk of a few minutes.
Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).
Hours
| Monday to Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
|---|---|
| First Saturday of the month | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.
What is nearby
- Naschmarkt Palo Alto, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Julian Chase Salon, salon or spa, under 0.1 mi
- Bistro Elan, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Tamayo’s Judo, studio or gym, under 0.1 mi
- Gamelandia, shop, under 0.1 mi
- Bowden Park, 0.2 mi
- Peers Park, 0.3 mi
- College Terrace Library, 0.4 mi
Other health and medical nearby: Blue Turtle Dental (under 0.1 mi); Palo Alto Mind Body (under 0.1 mi); Endodontic Associates of Palo Alto (under 0.1 mi); Palo Alto Vision (0.1 mi). Browse the full health and medical list.
Before you go
- Call ahead to confirm the practice accepts your insurance and is taking new patients.
- Bring a photo ID, your insurance card and a list of current medications to a first visit.
- For emergencies call 911. Stanford Hospital's emergency department is the closest major emergency room for most of Palo Alto.
About this listing
Checked October 29, 2026 against Cambridge Optometry official website; Our doctors page; Our services page; Contact lens services page. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Cambridge Optometry in Palo Alto?
Cambridge Optometry is at 2307 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 0.1 miles away.
Where did Cambridge Optometry move?
After fifteen years at 250 Cambridge Avenue, the practice moved about 300 feet down the street to a larger office at 2307 Birch Street, at the corner of Cambridge Avenue and Birch Street. It announced the move in May 2024.
Does Cambridge Optometry take insurance?
The practice says it participates with VSP, EyeMed and Medicare. It asks patients with other coverage to check with staff. It notes that most purchases and fees paid in the office are FSA and HSA eligible.
Does Cambridge Optometry see children?
Yes. The practice lists pediatric eye exams for children 6 months and older. Dr. Cindy Threlkeld trained in pediatric optometry at UC Berkeley.
What are Cambridge Optometry's hours?
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; First Saturday of the month: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m..